BISHKEK, Kyrgyzstan (AP) — This former Soviet republic has mountains honoring Communist and

December 23, 2007 at 2:00a.m.

BISHKEK, Kyrgyzstan (AP) — This former Soviet republic has mountains honoring Communist and Russian leaders. Just in time for Christmas, authorities say they plan to name a snowy peak “Mount Santa Claus.”

Three climbers set off Wednesday to scale the designated peak and bury a capsule containing the flag of Kyrgyzstan at the summit on Christmas Eve. “We want to develop tourism, and Santa Claus is an ideal brand to help us do this,” said a tourism official.